Double-slip-switch fitting



Oct. 21 1924.

W. H. NEWMAN DOUBLE SLIP SWITCH FITTING Filed Feb. 9. 1923 W/g INVENTOR.

, TTORNEY Patented Get. 21, 1924.

UNETEQ STATES W'ALTER H. NENMAN, OF BUFEALG, NEW YORK.

DOUBLE-SLIP-SHITCH FITTING.

Application filed. February 9, 1923.

In all 1117209)). it may concern Be it known that I, lVALTnr. H. NnwirAJ. a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented cer tain iew and useful Improvements in Double-Slip-Switch Fittings, of which the following is a specification.

T his invention relates to the construction of the parts used for bracing the switch points and connecting operating mechanism thereto, such parts being commonly known as switch fittings. and more particularly to such switch fittings for double slip switch layouts.

Switch fittings are subjected to severe stresses. adverse weather conditions, and heavy shocks and jars by passing equipment, so that it becomes a somewhat ditficult problem to designan arrangement and combination of parts for switch fittings which in practice affords the necessary degree of flexibility and rigidity, permits ready adjustment, and altogether withstands the hard usage to which it is subjected. A certain degree of flexibility is essential, because of movements of the rails and switch points from time to time, such as creeping of the rails. and the displacement occurring in the regular operation of the points. On the other hand. it is highly important to hold switco points, particularly the closed point, firmly and tightly to keep these points from rolling from the proper vertical position. It is also desirable to maintain a certain definite spacing between each pair of switch points, so as to bring the closed pointin proper position for the different positions of the switch. Finally, it is very desirable. from a practical standpoint, to afford s mple and effective provisions for relatively adjusting the switch fittings, such adjustment being made in such way that it is permanent when once made. In addition to these features, it is important to provide a structure for insulating the pairs of points from each other and electrically segregating the points of each pair, so that the usual detector track circuits may be carried through the switch layout with a minimum- Serial No. 618,018.

the requisites fora practical device, some of which have been outlined above. Various specific features and advantages of the c0nstruction embodying this invention will be pointed out in detail hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a conventional double slip switch layout and shows the switch fittings embodying this invention applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section through the switch layout, showing in elevation the front rod and adjustable connections to the lock rod;

Fig. 3 is a detail section on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail View showing more particularly the adjustable connection between the front rod and one of the switch lugs or feet;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view showing a modified construction of switch lug for connecting the front or number one rod to the outside of the switch points; and

6 is a fragmentary detail section on he line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, the invention has been shown applied to a conventional double switch layout, comprising the main stock rails 1 and 2, and the two pairs of movable switch point 33 and 4--. Such a switch layout, being well-known in the art and in common use, requires no detail description. lhe invention is shown applied to the front rod F at the extreme ends of the switch points and to the intermediate rod 0, commonly known as the number one rod. The only substantial difference between the construction for the front rod F and the number one rod O is in the adjustable connection between the lock rod and the throw rod respectively connected thereto. The throw rod and the lock rod may be connected to a mechanical switch and lock movement, or a power operated switch machine; and since these features correspond to recognized practice, no particular arrangement has been shown. As illustrated, the throw rod 5 is connected by a suitable adjustable connection or basket 6 to the number one rod O in the usual Way. This number one rod and the construction of those connections to the switch points is the same as that of the front rod F, consequently it will be suflicient to describe the construction of the front rod F alone in detail. j V V A The front. we comprises .a bar 7, of greater width than thickness, which extends clear across the switch layout with an interposed insulated connection 8 near the midle between. the inner switch points .3? and i. In effect, therefore, this bar 7 is made up of two lengths fastened together at their adjoining ends by an insulated connection 8. This insulated connection 8 may be made in any suitable manner, but is preferably consti'iicted as shown with two plates, bolts, fiber sheets and insulating bushings, all in a manner well known in the art. Referring to F igs. l and 2, it will be noted that the bar 7 is disposed on edge at the intei iiiediate point of its length, that is, with its ,widesi dimensionvertical, while at the ends the ar 7 is disposed flatwise, said bar being given a half twist at a point approxiriiately midway between the pairs of switch po" t s,,'as shown. I

Tie bar 7 is connected at its ends to the two outer points 3 and. l by switch feet or lugs 9. Each of these lugs 9 is a forging or malleable iron, casting with a portion extending parallel with and bolted to the si vitch point, and having another portion curved downward and formed with upper and lower bifurcations 9 (see Fig. 3) strad dli n'g the rod 7 -Riveted to the rod 7 is a perforated car 10, which together with the rod 7 having a hole therein forms a clevis; and throughthis ear, the bifurcations 9 and the rod 7 passes a bolt; 11., V

The connections of the inner switch poiiits-ii -and 1 to, the bar 7 are-the same. In this instance, the switch lug or foot 19. consists of a flat barrectangular in cross section, preferably a forging, which is disposed at one end fiatwise and parallel .to the switch point and is bolted thereto in the usual wa This lug 12 then projects forwardly be; end the point, as shown in Fig. 1, and then is curved downwardly as shown in F g. 2 and extended alongside of the bar 7., The end of this lug 12 is screw-threaded and passes through a hole in an angle bracket 13 rigidly fastened, as by rivets, to th e bar 7. The lug 12 isdisposed onedge, that is, with its longestdimen'sion vertical,-

the angle bracket 13 is-similarly disposed with its' longest dimension vertical.- This v ertical disposition of the bar 7 and switch lug-s12 affords a high degree of st ffness aiid rigidity, and at the same time econo nizes in s ace, s o that said bar 7 and the lidrizjontal portion of the lug 12 while having adct nate din ensions for strength, niajbefldisposed relatively close together.

The lug '12 isadjustably connected to the bracl et 1 3 by, nuts l l, With this adjustable connection, it is preferred in practice to have these pairs of nuts let separated. to a small extent, say one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch further than the thickness of the bracket 13, so as to afford a slight lost motion (as best shown in Fig. 41-). By reason of this lost 1notion,th e lug 12 may move up and down to a limited extent, pivoting or rocking at its point of connection to the bracket 13.

The lock rod 16 hasone end threaded and adjustably connected by pairs of nuts 17 to an angle bracket 18, which is riveted to the bar 7. This angle bracket 18 is also disposed on edge as shown. v

Among the various advantages of-this particular construction just described, it will be noted that the adjustable connections between the inner switch points 3* and l and the front rod F, and also the number one red ,O, are readily accessible and are so disposed that a wrench may be easily applied to the adjusting means; More particularly, this accessibility is due to the fact that the switch lugs 12 are disposed ver tically at one side of and parallel to the bar 7 so that without destroying stiffness and rigidity, or extending beyond the available space, there is sufiicient separation of. these two parts to permit a wrench to be readily applied without any interference. In this connection, it should be understood that certain dimensions or clearances are determined by the switch layout itself. For example, the space between, thetips or front ends of the inner points 3 and l is fixed and any connections or. adjustments within this restricted space will necessarily inpractiee be, inaccessible and diliicult to adjust.

It should also be noted that the switch lugs 12, being disposededgewise, may more easily be passed by eachother byxinoving one or the other forward or backwards lengthwise, of the track, than ifdisposed flatwise. The ren'ioyal of these switch lugs consequently niuch facilitated, the lim ited space between the tips of this space 3?" and 4 necessitating sue-h bypassing or overlapping. ifthe switch lugs are to have adequate strength. It, will be noted that the switch lugs are curved down on a relatively large radius, so that there are no sharp.

curves or bends to break under localized stresses.

Another characteristic feature of the invention is the provision of a single insulation at a point where the thrust or stress to which it is subjected 'may be most easily taken care of. The insulated connection 8, itwill be observed, not only insulates the point 8 from the point 3* andthe point t from the point 4*, but also the pair of pointsfrom each other; The thrust or stress the rod 7 is largelya direct longitudinal" pull or push; and experience has demonstrated that-an "Insulating connection can be very effectively made in a simple and in- 7 expensive manner between two members subjected to such stresses. The use of a sin gle insulated connection 8 minimizes the number of insulation points to be inspected and mainta ned.

All of the necessary adjustments are attorded by the construction described. The connections between the throw rod 5 and the lock rod 16 are adjustable to an accurate de gree by a scr w-threaded arrangement, so that the position of the outer switch points and 4a, when closed points. may be accurately fixed. The inner points 3 and l are likewise adjustably connected to the bar T, thereby permitting the position of these points, when a closed po nt, to be accurately determined. To illustrate, referring to Fig. 1, the position of the switch point 3 against the stock rail may be accurately adjusted by the nuts 14. It should also be observed that each of the adjustments provided may be made separately and independently without disturbing any other adjustment.

In the modified construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the bar 7 is maintained on edge throughout itslength, instead of being disposed partly on edge and partly flatwise,

in Figs. 1 and 2; and the connection between the bar 7 and the outer switch points 3 and 4* is made by a modified form of switch lug or foot 19, also disposed edgewise so as to afford a maximum degree of stiffness and rigidity, particularly holding the points against rolling or turning over. This lug 19, as clearly shown, has one portion extending parallel to the web of the switch point and bolted thereto, and another portion curved downwardly on relatively large radius and extending parallel with the bar 7. The connection between the lug 19 and the bar 7 is made by a bolt 20 in a way that will be obvious.

While certain specific forms and shape oi? parts, and a particular disposition. or arrangement, have been selected. and hereinbefore shown and described to illustrate the nature of this invention, it should be understood that various modifications and adaptations may be made in this particular construction and arrangement without departing from the scope of the invention. I desire to have it understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the particular construction and arrangement shown.

What I claim is 1. A double slip railway switch and fittings therefor comprising, two pairs of stock rails, two pairs of switch points associated with said stock rails, a switch rod extending transversely of? and below said stock rails and switch points, and means lying in the same horizontal plane with said rod and spaced at considerable distance therefrom and adjust ably fastened thereto for adjustably connecting said rod to one of said switch points.

A double slip railway switch cl tittiugs therefor comprising, two pairs stock rails and associated switch points, a switch rod extending transversely of and below said stock rails, a perforated bracket extending horizontally from said rod, means adjustably fastened in the pertoration of said bracket extending substantially parallel to said rod for a considerable distance from whence it is bent upward and back upon itself and parallel to one of said switch points, and means for connecting said last mentioned means to said switch points.

8. A. double slip railway switch and fittings therefor comprising, two pairs of stool; rails and associated pairs of switch points, a switch rod extending transversely of and below said stock rails, a perforated bracket extending horizontally from said rod, a U- shaped piece of strap iron lying substan tially parallel to said rod and having one of its legs bent sidewise and bolted to one 01 said points and having its other leg threaded and adjustably fastened in the perforation of said bracket.

4:. A switch fitting comprising, a piece of strap Tron of rectangular cross-section bent edgewise to form a U and having one of its legs perforated and bent sidewise, and a threaded extension formed integral with the other end of said U-shaped strap iron.

5. A double slip railway switch and fittings theretor comprising, two pairs of stool; rails each pair having a pair of switch points associated therewith, a switch rod of rectangular cross-section disposes t ansverse to said stock rails and switch points and disposed in a vertical plane throughout its length except at its ends which twisted to dispose them horizontally, means for tas toning the horiztmtally disposed ends to two of said switch points, and means tor fastening the vertically disposed portion of said rod to the other two switch. points.

6. A double slip railway switch and fittings therefor comprising. two pairs 0? stock rails and associated switch points, said two pairs oi rails being so disposed with respect to each other that one rail of each pair is located between the rails of the other pair. a switch rod for operating both pairs of switch points simultaneously disposed transversely with respect to said rails and having an insulating joint near its middle, a mechanical connection on each side at said insulating joint to one of the switch points of each pair, whereby a single insulating joint will insulate each pair of switch points from each other.

7. A double slip railway switch and fittings therefor comprising, two pairs of stock rails each pair having a pair of switch points associated therewith, a switch rod of rectangular cross-section disposed transverse to said stock rails and switch points and disa n of loo posed in a vertical plane throughout its length, curved angle brackets fastened directly to said switch rod each having its other end fastened to one of the outside switch points, and adjustable means for adjustably :l'astening the other two switch points to said switch. rod.

8. in a railway slip switch the combina tion with a pair of stock rails a pair of switch points associated theiewith, a switch rod of rectangular cross-section disposed generally vertical and crosswise of said rails and points, said rod being twisted so as to dispose its end horizontally, a perforated ear fastened to said rod adjacent a hole in said rod to form clevis, bifurcated perforated lug fastened to one of said switch points and pivotally secured to said clevis, and means for adjust-ably fastening the other switch to the vertically disposed portion of said switch rod.

9. A. double slip switch and fittings therefor comprising, two pairs of stock rails so arranged that one rail of each pair is be tween the rails of the other pair, two pairs of switch points associated with said rails, a switch rod rectangular in cross-section disposed generally vertically and extending tran'sversally of said rails and points, said rod being twisted so as to be disposed horizonta-lly at its ends, means for adjustably connecting two of said points to the vertically disposed portion of said rod, and means for pivotall securing the other two" switch points to the horizontallydisposed portion of said rod, said last mentioned means com prising two pairs of inter-engaging perforated bifuzcated members.

10. A double slip switch and fittings therefor comprising, two pairs of stock rails so arranged that one rail of each pair is between the rails of the other pair, two pairs of switch points associated with said rails, a switch rod rectangular in cross-section disposed generally vertically and extending transversally of said rails and points, said rod being twisted so as to be disposed horizontally at its ends, two oppositely disposed lIOOlZ' tion extending transversally of said rails,-

said rod being shorter than the distance lee--v tween the two outside switch points and being vertically disposed except thatits ends are twisted so as to dispose thein horizontally, means for pivotally securing the 1101i zontall z disposed ends of said switch rod for movement about a vertical axis tOItli; outside switch points, and means foradjus-tably securing the two middle switch points to the vertically disposed portion of said switch rod, whereby a construction is formed; in which the greater part of the switch rodis vertically disposed to resist rolling of the switch points and in whichthe ends are horizontally disposed to facilitate the provision of pivotal connections;

In testimony whereof I hereby a-fiix my signature. a

WALTER H. NEWMAN. 

